Sydney Rally in Support of the Alexander Spirit Crew

In keeping up the pressure on oil major Caltex, the Maritime Union of Australia will rally outside of the old Caltex Refinery in Kurnell to protest the atrocious treatment of the Alexander Spirit crew.

The crewmembers of the Alexander Spirit, which is still currently docked in Devonport, Tasmania, were told that their upcoming voyage to Singapore would be the last time the ship would be operated by highly professional Australian seafarers.

The replacement crew will likely be sourced from a developing nation and be paid poverty wages of less than $2 an hour.

MUA Sydney Branch Secretary Paul McAleer said Caltex’s complete disregard for the crew that have worked on the Alexander Spirit for many years, was sickening.

“There is absolutely no valid reason for offshoring these jobs, Caltex is a highly profitable oil company as was shown in their recent announcement of a $375 million half-year profit,” Mr McAleer said.

“This kind of bottom-line chasing, corporate malignance is unpalatable to the union and I believe it’s unpalatable to most in the community who believe in a fair go.

“Caltex owes us because we allow them to profit off our backs, in return they should be providing good, long-term jobs to Australia’s youth.

“The MUA will continue to fight for this and we will take the fight straight to Caltex.”

Along with Mr McAleer, Unions NSW Secretary Mark Lennon will address the rally.